Get ready to fall in love with the most refreshing and vibrant strawberry spinach salad you’ve ever tasted. This simple yet elegant dish combines sweet, juicy strawberries, earthy baby spinach, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing. It’s the perfect salad for a light lunch, a summer barbecue, or a sophisticated dinner side. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this beautiful and healthy salad comes together.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Here’s why it’s a guaranteed winner:
- Incredibly Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet fruit, savory cheese, and tangy dressing is absolutely irresistible.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: You can whip up this entire dish, including the homemade dressing, in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from spinach and strawberries, it’s a meal you can feel great about eating.
- Perfectly Customizable: I’ll share plenty of ideas for variations and add-ins so you can make this salad your own.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Salad
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad
- Baby Spinach: Use fresh, crisp baby spinach. Its tender leaves and mild flavor are the perfect canvas for the other ingredients.
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red, ripe, and fragrant strawberries. They are the star of the show.
- Pecans: Toasting the pecans is a small step that makes a huge difference, adding a deep, nutty crunch.
- Feta Cheese: The salty, briny flavor of crumbled feta cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, savory bite that balances the sweetness. If you find it too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
For the Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing
- Avocado Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like avocado or light olive oil works best.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides the tangy acidic base for the dressing.
- Honey: A touch of honey (or maple syrup) balances the vinegar and enhances the sweetness of the berries.
- Poppy Seeds: These add a delightful, subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps to emulsify the dressing, keeping the oil and vinegar mixed together.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Toast the Pecans: Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant. Remove from the pan immediately to prevent burning and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cooled pecans, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add more dressing as needed, being careful not to oversaturate the spinach. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
The Ultimate Guide to Dressings for This Salad
While the poppy seed dressing is a classic pairing, this strawberry spinach salad is wonderfully versatile. Here are two fantastic options.
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing (The Star of the Show)
This is the go-to dressing for a reason. Its creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor profile perfectly complement every ingredient in the salad. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Don’t be tempted by store-bought versions; the homemade taste is far superior!
Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette (A Lighter Option)
If you prefer a different flavor profile, a simple balsamic vinaigrette is another excellent choice. The deep, slightly sweet flavor of balsamic vinegar is a natural match for strawberries.
To make it, simply whisk together 1/4 cup of good-quality balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Use the Freshest Ingredients: This salad is all about freshness. Use crisp spinach and ripe, seasonal strawberries for the best results.
- Wash and Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to wash and completely dry your spinach and strawberries. A salad spinner is your best friend here! Excess water will make the dressing slide off and can result in a soggy salad.
- Don’t Dress in Advance: Wait to add the dressing until just before you serve. The delicate spinach leaves will wilt quickly once they’re coated.
Delicious Variations and Add-ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Try some of these popular additions:
- Add Protein: Turn this side into a main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a scoop of quinoa.
- Switch the Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese are fantastic alternatives to feta.
- Try Different Nuts: Candied walnuts, toasted almonds, or pistachios all work beautifully.
- Include More Freshness: Add some sliced avocado for creaminess or cucumber for an extra crunch.
How to Store and Meal Prep
To make this salad ahead of time, store the components separately. Keep the washed and dried spinach, sliced strawberries, and other salad ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and toss!
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses. It’s a perfect companion to a light and healthy meal like our Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. It also works beautifully alongside a comforting bowl of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup for a delightful lunch combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
A creamy and tangy poppy seed dressing is the classic and most popular choice. Its sweetness complements the strawberries perfectly. A simple balsamic vinaigrette also works wonderfully as a lighter alternative.
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the washed and dried spinach and sliced berries in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing can be made and stored for up to a week. Assemble and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Toasted pecans are a fantastic choice for their buttery crunch. However, candied walnuts, toasted almonds, or even pistachios are also delicious options that pair well with the other ingredients.
This salad is very versatile. To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken breast, cooked shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas for a plant-based option. A scoop of cooked quinoa also adds protein and texture.
The two most important tips are to make sure your spinach is completely dry after washing (a salad spinner is great for this) and to only add the dressing immediately before serving. Dressing the salad in advance will cause the delicate leaves to wilt.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re sure to love some of our other creations. Be sure to check out this vibrant Pomegranate Winter Salad or this unique and tasty Strawberry Crunch Salad. We hope this becomes your new favorite strawberry spinach salad! If you make it, we’d love for you to leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest!
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cooled toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure all your greens and berries are completely dry before assembling the salad to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Tip 3: The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
